What Is the Medical and Legal Definition of “Narcotics Abuse”?

Question by Kirk: What is the medical and legal definition of “narcotics abuse”?
If a patient suddenly discovered he had been given a diagnoses of “narcotics abuse”, what does that mean? It’s a false claim and it needs further investigation, and moreover, an explanation. But ,can you break it down for me? It immediately conjures up an extremely negative connotation for me.

Best answer:

Answer by KoalaMama
Let’s start at the basics. Narcotics are any of a group of drugs, such as heroin, morphine, and pethidine, that produce numbness and stupor. They are used medicinally to relieve pain but are sometimes also taken for their pleasant effects. Prolonged use may cause addiction, which leads to the abuse.

The definition of abuse would be “misuse, maltreatment, or excessive use.” So, the overindulgence in and dependence on said substance, leading to effects that are detrimental to the individual’s physical or mental health, or the welfare of others, would be defined as narcotics abuse.

In other words, narcotic use is considered abuse when people use narcotics to seek feelings of well-being apart from the narcotic’s pain-relief applications.

Lamar Odom reportedly dealing with drug problem, remains unsigned
The free-agent forward has reportedly been dealing with serious drug abuse problems the past two years, and is currently in the unspecified hotel with friends attempting to get help help for the substance abuse issue. TMZ had reported that Odom has … Read more on Philly.com

Drug Use Declines Among Youth, But Rises Among Those 50 And Older: Why?
SAMHSA is one of the leaders in substance abuse rehabilitation and mental illness in America, offering around-the-clock national helplines. For National Recovery Month, it utilizes social media to help spread the message on drug use through Facebook, … Read more on Medical Daily